When the cold sets in, it's often hard to muster the energy to look for new trips and experiences. When a resort or hotel just isn't enough to pique your interest, this is when you'll want to delve deeper in unique winter getaways in Ontario.
What makes a Canadian winter special is not only being able to snuggle close to the warmth of the gentle sizzle of a fireplace but also to explore the epic landscapes of evergreens, the crunch of snow beneath your feet, and the barking of energy-filled huskies.
It's time to experience winter as it wasn't meant to with these multi-day winter getaways that will surprise even local Ontario residents.
Read more about Ontario
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- Best Weekend Trips from Toronto
- How to Find The Perfect Cottage in Ontario
- 9 Getaway-Worthy Northern Ontario Resorts in the Summer
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8 Unique Winter Getaways in Ontario To Go To
Are you getting a little stir-crazy sitting at home? Are you looking for a romantic getaway? Perhaps you just want to experience the best that winter has to offer but be able to do it safely?
The below are 8 curated picks of winter getaways in Ontario that you have to check out. These aren't your run-of-the-mill weekend trips to a large resort or skiing village. Instead, these are unexpected winter experiences of at least one overnight or more.
After you go through all of these, you'll be wondering why you never did these earlier.
Yurt Glamping
There are so many yurts in Ontario to choose from but if you're looking for a winter getaway in Ontario that is both comfortable and geared towards taking advantage of the season, look no further than Nature's Harmony.
We had a chance to stay in one of their yurts in the summer. In this review you'll see all of the facilities and activities they offer but how does this look like in the winter?
One of the biggest differences with the Pacific Yurt versus the Mongolian Yurt is that it is more of a glamping yurt. Built on a raised deck, you have a much larger interior at 800 square feet, woodstove for cooking/warmth and an indoor compost toilet.
The grounds of Nature's Harmony becomes a winter playground as well with its giant tubing hill, cross-country skiing, kick sledding, and snowshoeing. To end off your day, there's a huge bonfire running all day and a wood fired sauna.
NATURE'S HARMONY THE PACIFIC YURT
Great for: Families or couples looking to disconnect.
Meals: None included. Bring your own food to cook on the indoor wood stove or outdoor BBQ.
Wifi/cellular: There is no wifi or cellular signal once you enter the grounds.
Amenities: Free tube, sled, and snowshoe rental.
Activities: Tubing, cross-country skiing, kick sledding, snowshoeing, and sauna.
Pets: Yes pets are allowed although dogs are not allowed in the tubing area. A flat $15 is added per pet. It is also your responsibility to make sure the furniture doesn't get damaged.
Good to know: There are no shower facilities in the unit but there are public individual shower units near the centre of the grounds.
Price: $215 CAD per night.
Cottages at Boshkung Lake
Boshkung Lake is located in Haliburton, Ontario with the closest town being Carnarvon. Along the lake are a collection of seven cottages The Pines at Boshkung.
The cottages rest on a ridge with a westerly exposure and range in size that can accommodate from two to seven people. They are come fully equipped with a full kitchen, three-piece washroom, BBQ, and most have their own fire pits.
In the winter, Boshkung Lake becomes a beautiful spot for ice fishing to catch trout and walleye/pickerel in special heated huts that are suitable for 2-4 people. Parking and gear transportation is included and only 10 minutes from the property. While it isn't included with your cottage stay, ice fishing is discounted 20% as a guest.
Great for: Secluded cottage getaway on a lake with the option to go ice fishing.
Meals: None included. Bring your own food to cook in the fully-equipped kitchenettes and BBQ.
Wifi: There is wifi in each cottage
Amenities: Free tube, sled, and snowshoe rental.
Activities: Paddle boats, water trampoline with slide and balance beam, shuffleboard, land trampoline, geo dome, horseshoe pits, and games room (currently closed) with a foosball and pool table.
Pets: Yes except for July and August. Pets incur a $30/night/pet fee. Also must provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations including Bordetella.
Good to know:
- Cottage reservations require a two-night minimum stay from September to June.
- Weekly summer rentals are from Sunday to Sunday.
- A 50 per cent deposit is paid at time of reservation, with the balance paid upon arrival.
- Rates do not include 13 per cent HST.
- One night reservations incur an $80 premium.
- Canoes, kayaks, a tin fishing boat and life jackets are available for rental (not free).
- Outside campfire wood is not allowed and must be purchased on-site.
- No fireworks allowed.
Price: Rates start at $195 CAD per night.
Winter Cottage and Dogsledding
Perhaps one of the most well-known dogsledding outfits in Ontario is Winterdance Dogsled Tours based in Haliburton.
I've done dogsledding in Quebec and I will say that this is easily the best winter activity when you consider the cuteness of the purebred Siberian Huskies, the adrenaline rush of mushing from behind a 5 foot wooden basket-style sled, and the spectacular views of the 60 km of winter wilderness.
Winterdance offers options that range from basic 2 hour experiences to moonlit runs, and heli-dogsledding.
What makes this a great winter getaway in Ontario is that they offer the lesser-known multi-day tour which combines any of their daily runs with overnight accommodation in their own cottage. These packages are custom-built and for private groups.
Great for: Dog lovers and adrenaline junkies.
Meals: The multi-day packages that include the longer runs such as the half-day include lunch. Dinner is not included however the cottage is equipped with a full kitchen and propane BBQ.
Wifi: There is wifi in the cottage.
Amenities: Snowshoes
Activities: Snowshoeing is included. Dogsledding activities can be included in custom-built packages.
Pets: Contact for more information.
Good to know:
- The cottage is a waterfront property located across the 1 lane dead end road with child safe deck, Muskoka chairs, and dock with row boat and canoe for the summer months.
- You must bring your own life jackets.
- The cottage is a short walk down the road to a small public sand beach.
Price: Dogsledding start at $145 CAD per person and $145 CAD/night on a weekday at the cottage with a minimum 2 night stay.
Backcountry Winter Adventure
Have you ever gone winter camping? Have you ever wanted to experience winter authentically in Ontario's own backcountry? With the help of Temagami Outfitting Company.
Based in Temagami, Ontario which is north of North Bay and Sudbury, treat yourself to a truly Canadian adventure with this 3 night all-inclusive trip that includes a mix of relaxation and immersion with the outdoors.
While in the Canadian bush, you'll be snowshoeing, honing your bushcraft skills, and ice fishing. You'll have hearty home-cooked meals throughout your trip. Your guides will set up the heated canvas dining tent.
For accommodations you'll have a mix of outdoor winterized tents or indoor cedar and canvas tents with built-in fireplaces.
Great for: Groups wanting to experience winter camping with the comforts of being with guided group and having your own chef. Think Inca Trail but in the Canadian wilderness.
Meals: All meals are included and are home-cooked and fresh meals by the accompanying chef.
Wifi/cellular: There is no wifi and sporadic cellular signal here.
Amenities: All equipment is included.
Activities: The all-inclusive winter backcountry adventure includes ice fishing, snowshoeing, and an evening under the winter stars by an outdoor firepit.
Pets: Contact for more information.
Good to know:
- Minimum of 6 required for the trip to go ahead.
- Maximum of 8.
- Shuttle to backcountry is included.
- Limited spots available as there are only a few departures on specific weekends.
Price: $750 CAD per person.
Algonquin Log Cabin
Nestled in Algonquin Provincial Park is this private stay in a remote lakeside cabin where you can experience a true off-the-grid getaway.
Voyageur Quest offers special 2-night packages in their large cabins that can accommodate up to 12 guests.
Winter is especially magical here as you'll get to see the snowy wonderland up close. During your stay, you can combine dog sledding, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing.
Great for: Large groups of friends or family looking to stay active and have curated chef-cooked meals.
Meals: All meals are included and menu is tailored to the group by Chef Nikoline.
Wifi/cellular: No, there is no wifi or cellular service. If you need it, there is a cell phone repeater tower within a 5 minute drive.
Amenities: Equipment and wilderness guide included.
Activities: Guided excursions for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Pets: Contact for more information.
Good to know:
- There is no electricity in the cabin.
- There is a shower in the shower/sauna house with an electric solar powered pump.
- There are two indoor bathrooms in the log cabin with flushing toilets.
- All water comes from a nearby well and filtered for drinking.
- Dogsledding costs are extra.
Price: $446 CAD per person for 2 nights.
Fire & Ice Winter Getaway
This is another Algonquin Provincial Park all-inclusive getaway but with the benefit of this being run by a company that is best known for their transformative retreats.
Slow down to the quiet pace of winter by staying in Northern Edge Algonquin‘s private forest cabin paired with winter adventures and delicious chef-prepared meals.
During the day, you'll be able to take on snowshoe, cross-country skiing, and kick-sledding or if you'd like to take it easy, there's plenty of space to cozy up by the wood stove or play games and reconnect.
In the evening, go skating under the moon light, drink a warm cup of cocoa, rejuvenate in the sauna, or watch the Northern Lights if you're lucky.
There is limited availability for these special retreats so book this winter getaway ASAP.
Great for: Those looking for an all-inclusive private forest cabin escape in smaller groups.
Meals: All meals are prepared by award-winning Chef Gregor and catered to all the guests on property. Traditionally, meals are served up “Group Buffet Style” but changes have been made during COVID.
Wifi/cellular: No, there is no wifi or cellular service here.
Amenities: Equipment and guides included.
Activities: There are plenty of activities on property including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, and kick-sledding. There is also a wood-fired sauna.
Pets: Pets are not allowed.
Good to know:
- There is the option to book shared accommodations in the larger log cabin or private room or forest cabin.
- Make sure to read the accommodations page to find out the different stays available and how they differ in bathroom facilities.
Price: $616 CAD per person for 2 nights.
Muskoka Lodge
I did say I wasn't going to throw in your traditional resort or hotel but this cottage resort is pretty special especially when it comes to the winter. Cedar Grove Lodge is one of those hidden gems on Peninsula Lake in Muskoka you need to know about.
Winter is an incredible time of year to come here because of the thorough list of things you can do here. This includes cross-country skiing, ice fishing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, ice skating, games room, and lounge.
Its location east of Huntsville is also convenient because you can also mix in time at Arrowhead Provincial Park, Hidden Valley, and North Ridge Ranch.
This is by far the largest grounds we've featured so far with 19 different cottages to choose from of varying sizes.
Great for: A family or small group getaway in a classic log cabin that includes plenty of activities, lounge areas, and meals.
Meals: All meals are included with stays.
Wifi/cellular: There is no wifi on the grounds or in the cottage but there is good cellular signal throughout.
Amenities: Cross-country skis, poles and boots, snowshoes, figure skates, hockey skates, toboggans and hockey sticks are free to borrow.
Activities: Cross-country skiing, ice fishing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and games room.
Pets: Pets are allowed with no additional fees.
Good to know:
- Reservations must be confirmed by phone with a deposit paid by credit card.
- If you're planning to go ice-fishing, you need to obtain a license before you come.
- 3 night minimum stay.
Price: $164 CAD per night.
Dogsledding Expedition
If you're looking for the ultimate dogsledding experience, you need to consider doing a multi-day expedition with Snow Forest Adventures.
Even without previous dogsledding or winter camping experience, you'll embark on an unforgettable journey with your guides who'll teach you everything you need to know about mushing, how to take care of the dogs, and how to stay warm and dry at night.
There are multiple types of expeditions available ranging from the basic to the more advanced – the difference mainly being how much dog sledding you get to do and how many traditional bush skills you'll need to employ.
All experiences include meals, snacks, beverages, and tents.
Great for: Adventurous travellers looking to experience something new and be pushed outside their comfort zone.
Meals: All meals are included.
Wifi/cellular: No wifi and limited cellular service throughout.
Amenities: N/A
Activities: Dogsledding and bush skills.
Pets: Not suitable.
Good to know:
- Bookings include park permits to Algonquin Provincial Park.
- It is recommended to rent Sorel Glacier Boots.
Price: $164 CAD per night.
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